Plants in the Outdoor Classroom

Plants Used by Native Americans and Early Settlers

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

Broomsedge in Bog Garden (very tall, light green grass)

Broomsedge was used to make brooms.

Goldenrod-best seen in October in bog garden

Goldenrod was used for colds, flu, inflammation, wounds, and fatigue. It was also used to dye yarn and cloth.

Groundsel

Pioneers boiled the leaves and roots to make a medicine to treat fevers and coughs. They also cut the tall stems to make yard brooms.

Yaupon Holly

Native Americans boiled the leaves to make a "black drink" that prepared them for battle. Pioneers used it as a spring tonic and purgative. The plant contains the most caffiene of any plant in North America.

Wax Myrtle

The berries of the wax myrtle were picked and boiled. The wax from the berries was used to make candles. The plant was also used to repel fleas and roaches. Fishermen placed branches in estuaries to attract soft-shelled crabs.